Which defense mechanism pushes painful experiences into the unconscious?

• A. Repression
• B. Projection
• C. Sublimation
• D. Regression

Answer: (A)

Painful experiences being kept out of conscious awareness describes repression. This defense mechanism operates automatically to shield you from distress by pushing memories or impulses you find unbearable into the unconscious. It’s different from suppression, which is a conscious choice to ignore thoughts. Repression stays hidden from awareness, though the unresolved material can influence behavior, dreams, or physical symptoms. For contrast, projection involves attributing your own unacceptable feelings to someone else, sublimation channels impulses into acceptable activities, and regression is reverting to earlier, more childish behaviors under stress. An example is a person who cannot recall a traumatic event but still feels anxiety or avoids related situations without remembering why.